Common Questions And Answers About Erectile Dysfunction

There is plenty of information on the internet, magazines, TV talk show and other locations that deal with erectile dysfunction. While many of these sources provide a wide range of information, it is difficult at times to find a condensed list of the more frequently asked questions and answers to them. Here we hope to answer some of the more common questions about the very common disorder.

What is erectile dysfunction or ED?

Erectile dysfunction is when a male has difficulty in consistently getting and/or keeping an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. Many men experience occasional or temporary erection problems, but that does not mean they have erectile dysfunction. For a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, this problem must occur on a regular basis. It may not need to occur every time but does continually repeat over time.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

It has been reported that more that 152 million men worldwide, with more than 50 million being in the United States suffer from some type of erectile dysfunction. It is also reported that less than 10% of these men actually seek treatment.

How do I know I have erectile dysfunction?

A visit to a doctor is the only way to truly diagnose ED. You doctor will take a complete history and conduct a complete physical exam to ensure that you are not suffering from some other disease or problems which could be effecting your erection ability.

Aren't erection problems just part of the normal aging process?

There are normal changes that do occur in most men as they age including taking longer to get an erection, erections which are not as hard as they once were or longer to reaching sexual climax. These should not be confused with ED, which is not part of the aging process. If you are not sure, you should speak to your doctor about what you are experiencing.

Is it possible to cure erectile dysfunction?While it is difficult to say that ED can be completely cured, it is a problem which can be effectively treated. There are a number of alternative processes, medicines and other treatment options which can greatly assist a man to successfully respond to sexual stimulation.

Are there specific causes of erectile dysfunction?Any disease or injury that interferes with the complex sequence of events needed to produce an erection may cause erectile dysfunction. The most common being those that affect the blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. There are also certain health conditions which have been associated with ED. These conditions include heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes

Can medicines cause erectile dysfunction?Medicine taken for a variety of health problems may have a side effect of causing erectile dysfunction. Recent studies have shown over 200 different medicines which have caused a negative effect on erection abilities. The medicines used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and ulcers have shown these effects.

When taking medicines of any kind it is important to follow the advice of your health care provider and to discuss any questions or concerns with them. Alternatives are often available if certain side effects results, however your health care provider needs to be aware of what you are experiencing.

What can be done to prevent erectile dysfunction?Erectile dysfunction is often associated with certain risk factors, like smoking, being overweight or drinking too much. A reduction or elimination of any of these risk factors will reduce the likelihood of erectile dysfunction, while also providing a healthier lifestyle. Also, talking to your doctor about the medicine or over the counter products that are being taken can decrease your risk.